Eastern Colorado Repeater Association’s Repeater Systems - and “Why?”

As of January 2025, the Eastern Colorado Repeater Association (ECRA) proudly operates it’s first Amateur Radio, VHF/UHF repeater system in Peyton, Colorado, in Eastern El Paso County- Designated as “System 1”, marking a key milestone in ECRA’s regional expansion. System 1 is the first of three ECRA-planned VHF/UHF systems, featuring capabilities such as Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS), AllStar, EchoLink, and more. ECRA is also preparing to add 10-meter and 220 MHz repeaters, along with some experimental technologies not currently found anywhere in Colorado—including along the Front Range.

In parallel, development of System 2 is underway and planned for deployment (approx. Summer 2026) in Yuma, Colorado. System 3 will follow in the Southeastern corner of Colorado. These three sites will form the backbone of the “ECRA Network”—a unified triad of primary systems designed to integrate with existing independent repeaters and club-operated infrastructure throughout eastern Colorado.

ECRA’s growing repeater network is also built to support local communities and municipalities in Eastern Colorado, by offering a backup communication layer for public service and emergency operations. Our mission extends beyond just radio coverage—we aim to contribute to the long-term resilience and growth of the communities we serve.

The goal of the ECRA Network is to establish a scalable, interoperable communication backbone that expands Amateur Radio coverage, enhances emergency response, and fosters collaboration across the Eastern region of Colorado.

ECRA’s first VHF/UHF system, “System 1,” became operational and open for use as of September 1, 2025. Located in the Town of Peyton, Eastern El Paso County, Colorado. All ECRA repeater are ‘WIDE’-banded.

System 1, E. El Paso County VHF repeater frequency:

Output frequency of 147.0300 MHz, with an input frequency of 147.6300 MHz

*Note: PL tone of 250.3 Hz is active on the input only.
No tone is required to receive repeater audio.

System 1, E. El Paso County UHF repeater frequency:

Output frequency of 447.8750 MHz and an input frequency of 442.8750 MHz

* Note: PL tone of 250.3 Hz is active on the input only.
No tone is required to receive repeater audio.

Real-world testing of System 1 is underway and planned for completion by late Winter 2026, ensuring robust performance and reliability for all users. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on system operation and usage. Along with System 1 becoming fully operational, summer of 2026, we will begin installation of ECRAs first remote receiver site for System 1.

“System 2” is already in the planning stages, to be located near Yuma, Colorado (Approx. Summer of 2026) and “System 3” will follow, in the South Eastern corner of the state. We are also in talks with both existing repeater systems and Eastern Colorado clubs, in advancing their own systems to integrate and link with ECRAs.

Stay tuned to the “repeater” page here, at the bottom of the page for repeater system(s) status.

Additionally, we will certainly be updating our social media, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571071976269 and our website here with more information, pictures and videos. Stay tuned!